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Friday, October 4

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Makeup Removers & Toners

Makeup Removers //

Removing your makeup is like cleaning your dishes. If you had the time to make the food, you sure as heck better make the time to clean your dishes. Sure, your food was great and fresh when you first made, but if you don't clean it off your dishes and utencils, things will go sour and fast. Your pots and pans will pile up to the ceiling; mold might start to grow and flies may show up uninvited; your kitchen will reek. Nobody wants that. Aside from my not-so-subliminal message on proper home etiquette, this is exactly how you should think of your skin and makeup use... except you should care even more about your skin because it's attached to your face. I neither wear nor recommend wearing makeup every day because it's not healthy for your skin. On the days I do, I am sure to remove it before I turn in for the night. Currently, these are my makeup removal picks:

I use these pre-moistened wipes to take off my base makeup (foundation, blush, bronzer, etc.). They don't get rid of everything, but they do most of the heavy-duty work. They're also great if you're having a lazy day. You could even remove your makeup from bed with these wipes.Why? Simple wipes are the best that I've tried. They are gentle, effective, and smell nice enough. I've tried makeup-removing wipes by other brands, but either they haven't done an adequate job of removing makeup, or they burn my face. I also prefer these Cleansing Facial Wipes to Simple Radiance Cleansing Wipes. These are great to travel with, as well, and you can find them in travel-sized packets at some drugstores and pharmacies.

I use this regardless of whether or not I am wearing makeup. I pour this onto a cotton round and lightly wipe it all across my face. This takes off all non-waterproof eye makeup, and it takes off any remaining makeup that the Simple wipes didn't get. If I'm not wearing makeup, it takes off built-up dirt from the day. Some people also use this as a toner, but I prefer using a separate toner (see below). Why? If you weren't already aware, there's a cleansing water craze in the beauty world, right now. I like how gentle this is, but it's not yet holy grail for me. It is effective, but I have to use an unhealthy amount of cotton rounds to get all remaining makeup off. I've gone through a couple large (and travel-sized) bottles of this, and I decided to explore micellar solutions from other brands. I recently started using the one from Embryolisse Laboratoires, so let me know if you're interested in a review on that. What do you think about micellar lotions or cleansing waters? Do you think they worth the hype? You can read more about this product in my5 Beauty Products to Get Your Hands On While in the UK post.

I only use this when I'm wearing difficult-to-remove eye makeup (like waterproof mascara or glitter liners). When using, you must shake the bottle until foam forms at the top. Then pour the foam/liquid on to a Q-Tip or cotton round to remove makeup.Why? I've been using this for countless years at the recommendation of my beautiful Grandma, and it is undoubtedly a holy grail product for me. It takes off makeup like a charm, so you won't have to rub at your eyes. You're not supposed to, anyway.

Skin Types: all Toners //My reason behind using toner is quite different than its intended purpose. I like using it to remove any bacteria and dirt that may have managed to hold on to my face post-makeup removal and cleansing. I use toner before applying serum and/or cream to my face.

As mentioned above, I use this after makeup removal and/or cleansingand before serum and/or face cream.Why? Not only does this lavender-scented toner smell delicious, it also antibacterial.I have noticed tremendous improvements in my skin. It is clearer, more hand more luminous, which is a huge feat for my typically dull and dry skin. I have seen this product also work its magic on people with vastly different skin types than mine. Everyone I know who has tried this product loves it. I will warn you, it can sting a little bit when applied (especially when your skin is dry or irritated), but it goes away quickly and doesn't burn skin.Skin Types: allKey Ingredients: aloe, Hyaluronic Acid

Have you tried any of these out? What are your favorite makeup removers and toners? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter (you can do both if you're feeling extra ambitious).

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin', and tune in for the rest of this series (or click the links below). I have some great product information coming your way, and you won't want to miss it.

xx Lauren

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Hey Stacey! The Lemon AHA toner is absolutely amazing for acne-prone skin. The Michael Todd True Organics skincare line is wonderful all around. Let me know how you like Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner when you try it out! I haven't been able to stray from it because it works so well for my skin (even though I want to try the Cranberry Toner, too).